Signature wellness

Working from home at my job that I love, the time lines between the two can get blurred. “Work” and “Home” easily end up as one. I suspect those reading this who have a similar setup are nodding along. But honestly, I give my best job for my work, with both process and products, when I bring my whole self to it in this way.

It’s the home part that I can struggle with, for balance. And I don’t think I’m alone in this. Sometimes my most creative and productive time is at 5:00 a.m. Other times I am inspired at 6 p.m. on a Saturday. Should we really put our best selves in a scheduled box? Maybe celebrating our flow actually creates a more resultant splash. Like a water park…

I recently experienced a mind-blowing leveling-up from a professional communication that I received. Ashley Krohn, Office of Teaching & Learning with Minneapolis Public Schools, has an email signature so powerfully supportive that I have now blatantly borrowed from her example. And you know what? My department head is all for it. What better way to put into practice, both for ourselves and for those we touch with our messages?

Here is what is now at the bottom of my professional emails:

​I appreciate that my working hours may be different from yours. If you receive this email outside of your work time, please do not respond until your return. I value your wellness and self-care, and I look forward to us connecting when we are able to.

This will change the world.

Oh, wait. It’s a reflection of the changed world.

Woohoo! is the new woo-woo.

Grab your tube and I’ll meet you at the top of the waterslide.